8-Day Budget Adventure in the Northeast USA: Food, Culture & Nature

Day 1: Exploring Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mr. Crepe

Start your day with delicious sweet and savory crepes at Mr. Crepe, a cozy spot in Boston's downtown area.
Located in downtown Boston, take the T green line to the Copley station.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Freedom Trail Walk

Embark on a self-guided tour along the iconic Freedom Trail, exploring historic sites like Boston Common and Paul Revere's House.
Follow the red-brick line that marks the trail throughout the city.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quincy Market

Sample a variety of local delicacies at the bustling Quincy Market, popular for its diverse food stalls.
Quincy Market is a quick 10-minute walk from the Freedom Trail.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Engage in an interactive experience that immerses you in the pivotal event of American history.
A 15-minute walk from Quincy Market.
USD 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Union Oyster House

Enjoy traditional New England clam chowder and lobster rolls at America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.
A short walk from the museum.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade

Relax and take in the beautiful views of the Boston skyline as you stroll along the river.
Access from the downtown area via the Esplanade park entrance.
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 2: Salem's Historic Charm

Salem, Massachusetts

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ugly Mug Diner

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast featuring homemade pastries and classic diner fare.
Take the commuter train from North Station to Salem.
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Salem Witch Museum

Learn about the infamous witch trials through an immersive exhibition and guided tour.
A short walk from the diner.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Witch Trial Memorial

Visit this solemn memorial honoring the victims of the witch trials.
A brief 5-minute walk from the museum.
FREE, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Turner’s Seafood

Savor fresh catches and local seafood dishes at this popular eatery with a cozy atmosphere.
About 10 minutes walking distance from the memorial.
USD 20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit The House of the Seven Gables

Tour Nathaniel Hawthorne’s childhood home and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD 15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Explore the rich maritime history of Salem with its historic buildings and waterfront.
A short 5-minute walk from The House of the Seven Gables.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Finz Seafood & Grill

Enjoy a stunning view of the water while dining on a selection of seafood plates.
15-minute walk from the site.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Charming Portsmouth

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Friendly Toast

Indulge in a creative breakfast menu in a retro diner atmosphere.
From Salem, take a bus or drive to Portsmouth (approx. 1 hour).
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Strawbery Banke Museum

Step back in time at this outdoor history museum showcasing preserved historic houses.
A 10-minute walk from the diner.
USD 20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The River House

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with riverside views and a menu full of local favorites.
A short 15-minute walk from the museum.
USD 18, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Market Square

Roam around the vibrant Market Square filled with shops, cafes, and local artisans.
A quick 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Prescott Park

Take a peaceful stroll through the beautifully landscaped park by the waterfront.
Accessible via a 10-minute walk from Market Square.
FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Flatbread Company

Dig into organic and local flatbreads cooked in a wood-fired oven.
A 15-minute walk from the park.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Portland's Culinary Scene

Portland, Maine

8:00AM

Breakfast at Becky's Diner

Start your day with a classic Maine breakfast at this popular diner known for its extensive menu.
Take a bus or drive from Portsmouth to Portland (approx. 30 minutes).
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Portland Head Light

Explore Maine's most photographed lighthouse and the surrounding fort grounds.
About a 20-minute bus ride from downtown Portland.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Port District

Wander through this charming district filled with shops, galleries, and stunning waterfront views.
Bus back to downtown and walk around.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Savor New England oysters and an innovative menu at this award-winning seafood restaurant.
Located within the Old Port area.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Portland Museum of Art

Enjoy the remarkable collection of American, European, and contemporary art at this prominent museum.
Only a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at DiMillo's On the Water

Dine on fresh seafood and take in fantastic views of the harbor at this floating restaurant.
Just a 15-minute walk from the museum.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature's Majesty

Acadia National Park, Maine

7:00AM

Breakfast at Jordan Pond House

Enjoy popovers and scenic views at the historic restaurant located in the park.
Drive from Portland to Acadia National Park (approx. 3 hours).
USD 15, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Explore Acadia National Park

Discover the stunning landscapes of rugged coastlines, mountain trails, and serene lakes throughout the park.
Drive to and around park roadways.
USD 30 (park pass), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cadillac Mountain Summit

Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at the summit with incredible views of the surrounding landscapes.
Drive to the summit area.
USD 10 (lunch costs), 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kayaking on Frenchman Bay

Experience the beauty of the coastline from the water on a guided kayak tour.
Book in advance and head to the kayak launch site.
USD 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Lobster Shack

Savor fresh lobster rolls as you soak in ocean views from this laid-back restaurant.
Drive to the restaurant from the park (approx. 30 minutes).
USD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Charming Burlington

Burlington, Vermont

9:00AM

Breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe

Relish a delicious breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients at this beloved café.
Drive from Acadia National Park to Burlington (approx. 4.5 hours).
USD 15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Church Street Marketplace

Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian mall lined with shops, eateries, and street performers.
Located in downtown Burlington, easily reachable from the café.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with a focus on local beers and ingredients.
Just a 5-minute walk from Church Street.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead

Learn about American Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen at this historic site.
A 10-minute drive from downtown Burlington.
USD 10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at American Flatbread

Indulge in delicious wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients in a cozy environment.
Return to downtown Burlington (approx. 15 minutes).
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Stowe's Scenic Beauty

Stowe, Vermont

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blue Door

Devour hearty breakfast options in a cozy café known for its friendly service.
Drive from Burlington to Stowe (approx. 45 minutes).
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Stowe Mountain Resort

Enjoy scenic vistas as you hike on well-marked trails in the breathtaking surroundings.
Drive to the mountain resort area.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Rusty Nail

Savor locally crafted sandwiches and beers at this laid-back pub.
A 15-minute drive from the hiking trails.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Stowe Recreation Path

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride on this beautiful paved path that runs along a river.
Head towards the path entrance near the village.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria La Festa

End your day with a cozy Italian meal, featuring homemade pasta and a warm atmosphere.
Drive back towards the village center (about 10 minutes).
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Exploring White Mountains

White Mountains, New Hampshire

8:00AM

Breakfast at Polly's Pancake Parlor

Treat yourself to delicious pancakes in a charming atmosphere surrounded by the mountains.
Drive from Stowe to White Mountains (approx. 1 hour).
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Franconia Notch State Park

Enjoy hiking, stunning scenery, and beautiful views of the mountains and lakes.
Head towards the entrance of the park.
USD 15 (parking fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Profile Lake Restaurant

Savor delicious comfort food with views of the lake's natural beauty.
Drive from the park entrance to the restaurant (approx. 15 minutes).
USD 20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Kancamagus Highway

Take a scenic drive on this famous highway showcasing breathtaking views of the White Mountains.
Access from the restaurant.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Common Man

Enjoy a hearty meal at this casual and welcoming restaurant known for its local ingredients.
Located along the Kancamagus Highway.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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